Kansas retailer Jilka Furniture closing after 91 years

Kansas retailer Jilka Furniture closing after 91 years

SALINA, Kan. — The two-store Jilka Furniture here will close next month after more than 90 years in business.\

Lynch Sales is handling a “Great $1.5 million Store Closing Sale” for the primarily midpriced retailer. The liquidation sale began Nov. 7 at Jilka’s two stores on Santa Fe Avenue and South Fifth Street, which total 30,000 square feet.Bud Jilka, co-owner of the second-generation business with his wife Loretta Jilka, turns 89 early next month and said “it was time to fully retire.” The business was started in 1923 by siblings Edward and Jerry Jilka. (Edward is Bud Jilka’s father.)

“We have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with the people of Salina and surrounding areas for over 91 years,” the couple said in a statement. “With the many changes taking place in the furniture industry, we felt it was a wise decision to close our store.”

Jilka said the sale got off to a good start at both locations and he expects it will run until around mid-December to sell off all inventory. Chris Lynch, Lynch Sales co-CEO, said he expects the sale to generate a year’s worth of business, but would not disclose the dollar amount.